44 Harvard-Linked Individuals Warn Against Campaign to Undermine Constitutional Institutions
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New Delhi, October 14: A group of 44 individuals associated with Harvard University has expressed concern over what it described as attempts to undermine India’s constitutional institutions through politically charged rhetoric, emphasising the need to protect public confidence in democratic bodies and respect constitutional processes.
The statement took exception to descriptions portraying India as being under “siege” and to the use of terms such as “thieves” and “compromised” for constitutional authorities. According to the signatories, such language risks eroding public trust in institutions that play a central role in the functioning of Indian democracy.
The statement also raised concerns about the use of Harvard’s name in connection with political advocacy without appropriate authorisation, stressing the distinction between statements issued by individuals associated with a university and the official position of the institution itself.
The intervention came amid a political confrontation over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and activists have questioned aspects of the exercise, while the Election Commission has defended its role in maintaining accurate electoral rolls.
The statement represents the views of its signatories and does not, by itself, constitute an official position of Harvard University.
In a statement issued on October 14, the signatories raised concerns over criticism directed at the Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court, the Office of the Chief Justice of India and Parliament. They argued that allegations against constitutional authorities must be supported by evidence and addressed through established legal and democratic procedures.
The statement took exception to descriptions portraying India as being under “siege” and to the use of terms such as “thieves” and “compromised” for constitutional authorities. According to the signatories, such language risks eroding public trust in institutions that play a central role in the functioning of Indian democracy.
The signatories maintained that democratic dissent and scrutiny of public institutions are legitimate, but argued that sweeping allegations and inflammatory rhetoric should not substitute for evidence-based criticism and due process.
Indian students in Harvard write an open letter!
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) October 14, 2026
Harvard students stand with Indian Constitution, Rule of Law!
Harvard students expose the negative politics around Indian Constitution Bodies!
Rahul Gandhi's PR driven anarchy being called out by Indians globally! pic.twitter.com/WlB0sWhvvQ
The intervention came amid a political confrontation over Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and activists have questioned aspects of the exercise, while the Election Commission has defended its role in maintaining accurate electoral rolls.
The statement represents the views of its signatories and does not, by itself, constitute an official position of Harvard University.